With Final Roster Looming, Phillies Release Lefty Sean Burnett

The Phillies had several non-roster invitees fighting for just a couple spots on their Major League roster.  One of them, Sean Burnett, pitched pretty well in Grapefruit League action.  In nine innings of work, Burnett surrendered two earned runs, for an earned run average of an even 2.00.  Despite this, the Phillies gave Burnett his release on Sunday.

Burnett had an opt-out clause in his contract dated March 26, but the Phillies made the move first.  Burnett might have made the roster in other circumstances, but as we frequently mention, the Phillies have a roster crunch and may only be able to make room for one player.  The move gives Burnett a little bit of time to find a new home.

That means that only lefties Adam Morgan and Joely Rodriguez remain as candidates for the two left-handed spots in the bullpen.  Some writers have suggested the Phillies could go with an eighth reliever instead of a final bench spot, but that is not an ideal Major League roster.   Alec Asher, a member of the 40-man roster, could take a roster spot from a left-handed pitcher.